Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber)
Species name
- Dutch name:
- Rode ibis
- English name:
- Scarlet Ibis
- German name:
- Scharlachsichler
- French name:
- Ibis rouge
- Scientific name:
- Eudocimus ruber
Scientific classification
- Order:
- Pelecaniformes
- Family:
- Threskiornithidae
- Genus:
- Eudocimus
Description
- Description:
Male:
The feathers may show various tints and shades, but only the tips of their wings deviate from their namesake color. A small but reliable marking, these wingtips are a rich inky black (or occasionally dark blue) and are found only on the longest primaries – otherwise the birds' coloration is "a vivid orange-red, almost luminous in quality." Scarlet ibises have red bills and feet however the bill is sometimes blackish, especially toward the end. They have a long, narrow, decurved bill. Their legs and neck are long and extended in flight.Female:
The plumage of male and female is identical.Juvenile:
A juvenile scarlet ibis is a mix of grey, brown, and white. As it grows, a heavy diet of red crustaceans produces the scarlet coloration. The color change begins with the juvenile's second moult, around the time it begins to fly: the change starts on the back and spreads gradually across the body while increasing in intensity over a period of about two years.
- Behaviour:
The scarlet ibis is a sociable and gregarious bird, and very communally-minded regarding the search for food and the protection of the young. They live in flocks of ten or more. Members stay close, and mating pairs arrange their nests in close proximity to other pairs in the same tree.
Standard Measurements
- Body Length (cm):
- The male (drake) of the Scarlet Ibis measures approximately 56-63 centimeters. The female measures approximately 56-63 centimeters.
- Body Weight (grams):
- The male will weight about 775-925 gram. The female will weight about 775-925 gram.
The weight is notoriously variable and can only be used as indication!
- Note:
Scarlet ibises breed in fairly large colonies. They make their nests in the forks or on large branches of trees, often along or above water. Sometimes a nest is used year after year, but usually by different pairs. The nests are often close together, more than one per tree, likely to reduce the risk of predation.
In captivity, Scarlet ibises are popular and can thrive with proper care. They require spacious aviaries with ample flying space and access to water for swimming. The aviaries should be well-vegetated to provide a natural environment and nesting opportunities. It is important to recreate their natural diet, which consists of small aquatic invertebrates, crustaceans, and insects. Commercially available pelleted diets supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables can also be provided.
Breeding Scarlet ibises in captivity can be challenging but rewarding. A well-established breeding pair needs privacy and a suitable nesting area, such as a sturdy platform or a nesting box placed high above the ground. The female typically lays a clutch of 2-4 eggs, which both parents take turns incubating for about 21-23 days. Chicks hatch with a downy plumage and require a warm brooder or heated enclosure to maintain their body temperature.
Hand-rearing of chicks may be necessary if the parents do not adequately care for them. The young ibises should be fed a specialized diet formulated for waterfowl chicks, gradually transitioning to a diet similar to that of adult ibises as they grow. Care should be taken to ensure proper socialization and to prevent imprinting on humans.
Scarlet ibises are generally hardy in captivity, but they are sensitive to extreme temperatures. They should be provided with sheltered areas or heated enclosures during cold weather to prevent frostbite or other health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and a well-balanced diet are essential for their overall health and well-being.
- Breeding:
- The female Scarlet Ibis usually lays from 3-5 bluish-green eggs and incubates them for 24-26 days.
- Bird banding:
- Recommended closed leg band ring size for the Scarlet Ibis is 12 mm.The leg band ring can only be applied on a young ibis at around 10-12 days old.
- It doesn't matter what leg that you band, but it's good to have a consistent system. Suggested: Left leg = Female, Right leg = Male
- Maintenance food:
-
Floating special complete food for sea birds with the highest nutritional requirements thanks to a particularly high protein content of 45%.
Ideal for daily feeding in animals that eat a lot of protein in their natural habitat. A must for "fish eaters".
- Regulation:
- Various conservation regulations
- Regulation:
It's worth noting that Scarlet ibises are protected under various conservation regulations and may require special permits for ownership and breeding in certain regions. It is crucial to adhere to legal and ethical guidelines when keeping them in captivity.
Photos of the Scarlet Ibis
